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20
Feb
2020
Golden Age of Hollywood Actor Katharine Hepburn’s Former L.A. Hideaway Is Back on the Market
The storied hacienda-style oasis was also once home to “Frankenstein” actor Boris Karloff.
Tucked behind walls of thick greenery, away from prying eyes, sits a Beverly Hills abode that has been enchanting celebrity buyers since the early years of Hollywood. Katharine Hepburn, one of the original leading ladies, resided at the property for several years when she first moved to Hollywood in the early 1930s. Hepburn then sold the property to Frankenstein actor Boris Karloff, also known as William Henry Pratt, who nurtured and expanded the lush landscape until moving on in the mid-1940s. Over half a century later, the property is still exchanging hands and was recently placed back on the market once again.
The single-story residence is larger than it appears at first glance, with wings that branch out to create nearly 5,000 square feet of living space. Such a design allows extensive natural light to reach nearly every room in the home while providing most spaces with direct access to the property's many patios and the backyard pool. The terra-cotta-tiled roof and white-washed brick facade also creates a charming backdrop for the property's many stone walkways and tropical plantings.
Inside, exposed timber beams, Spanish mosaic tiles, and antique chandeliers add up to an old-world, lived-in feel for the five-bedroom house. While some finishes have been modernized, much of the structure's original charm remains intact. Keep scrolling to see more of this historic, celebrity-studded property, which is currently listed for $8,995,000.
Gallery
Originally built in 1927, the home is surrounded by tropical and native plantings that block much of the view from the street.
The main entry opens to a large formal living room, complete with classic details such as terra-cotta-tiled floors and exposed beams.
Around the corner from the living room is the formal dining area, which features French doors leading to a patio.
The updated kitchen blends modern conveniences with an old-world feel.
A wall of cabinets in the corner provides additional pantry or storage space, along with a professional-grade refrigerator and freezer unit.
The family room features a curved wall of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the garden.
One of five bedrooms in the home, the master suite features a separate sitting area and direct access to the backyard.
The full-upgraded master bathroom is flooded in natural light thanks to two large skylights, as well as a door and window overlooking a side patio.
One of several patios built around the home's many wings, this one offers a formal area for entertaining friends or family.
In another corner of the yard, stairs connect a patio off of the family room with the gardens down below.
Brick walkways connect various patios with smaller seating areas.
A large pool sits at the back of the property, tucked away from the already quiet neighborhood.
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